Perfect City

Amazon.com
Billy Joe Shaver managed to write some of the world's greatest songs with just a "good Christian raisin' and an eighth-grade education." Still, in her bio and press, much is made of Florence Dore's college professorship and her specialty in Faulkner. She has been compared to Lucinda Williams, but lacking a musical resemblance (Dore rocks much harder), it might rather be the press picking up on the latter's scholarly parentage. Fortunately, for the most part Dore's songs owe more to an early epiphany at a Johnny Cash show than anything she might have picked up in grad school. The catchy hooks and rhythmic groove of her lyrics and singing are likely the product of good musical instincts and talent, not anything she learned in the halls of academe. A song like "No Nashville" paints a simple picture of family dynamics in the tradition of the best country music. Throughout Perfect City, her band rocks and twangs with infectious energy. Unfortunately, the mix obscures Dore's singing much of the time, and lacking a lyric sheet, we get only glimpses of her vocal and lyric talents. From what is audible, it is easy to hear that Dore's "learnin'" doesn't get in the way of her songwriting. Though it may not be perfect, this is a city worth visiting. --Michael Ross

Time Out New York, June 21-28, 2001
Florence... brings learned wordplay into charming country-pop songs on "Perfect City"... produced by local alt-country hit maker... Roscoe Ambel.

Perfect City

Perfect City,Florence Dore

Average customer rating: A Listening Treat Be Thoy My Vision CD Really good, but don't listen to it all at once. A must for choral music fans An outstanding collection of Rutter's hymns

Be Thou My Vision Manufacturer: Collegium ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The John Rutter Christmas Album John Rutter Collection Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers Christmas Star Distant Land: The Orchestra Collection ASIN: B00030ES2S Release Date: 2004-10-01

Tracks:

1. Be Thous My Vision
2. Open thou mine eyes
3. I will sing with the spirit
4. A gaelic Blessing
5. Wings of the morning
6. O be Joyful in the Lord
7. All things bright and beautiful
8. I will lift up mine eyes
9. As the bride groom to his chosen
10. A prayer of Saint Patrick
11. Loving Shepherd of thy sheep
12. Look at the world
13. O clap your hands
14. The Lord is my light and my salvation
15. Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace
16. I believe in springtime
17. God be in my head
18. A Clare Benediction
19. For thy beauty of the earth
20. Thy perfect love
21. The Lord bless you and keep you

Customer Reviews:

A Listening Treat .......2007-03-08

What a delight to listen to this collection of pure Rutter ! The melodic sounds of the Cambridge Singers bring me such pleasure The sheer joyfulness of this music is to me a religious experience of such depth It is superb and will lift ones spirits instantly. highly recommended to all lovers of the English contemporary choral sound and scene,____ not to be missed

Be Thoy My Vision CD.......2007-02-19

My husband sang many of these John Rutter compositions with his church choir, and this CD is perfect since the choir is directed by Rutter, singing his own music. If you love religious music, this will bring tears to your eyes, the choir is "that" perfect.

Really good, but don't listen to it all at once........2007-01-07

I really liked this CD. It really showcases Rutter's knack for religious choral music. Perhaps it helps that I have sung some of his stuff with various groups. However, as with any similar compiliation, the composer's sameness of style and motif becomes apparent. This repetition can become boring on the third or fourth listening. On the other hand, this makes a great reference tool for any choral director or performer. Buy it, however, it's worth it, but don't listen to it all at once.

A must for choral music fans.......2006-09-19

Simply fabulous, 10/10. These are all Rutter-composed pieces, directed by Rutter himself. If you have any interest in religious choral music at all, you must get this album! One of the highlights of my musical life was attending a concert of a University of Maryland choir in which my mom sang, that featured Rutter as a guest conductor. Listening to this album is almost as good! ;-) There are too many good pieces to start naming all of my favorites, but these are some of the best known ones: "Open Thou Mine Eyes", "A Gaelic Blessing", "All Things Bright and Beautiful", "As the Bridegroom to His Chosen", "For the Beauty of the Earth", and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You".

An outstanding collection of Rutter's hymns.......2005-11-22

I sought a recording of Rutter's beautiful hymn, "Wings of the Morning", after we sang this lovely tune in church and this was the only CD I could find that contained it.

This collection includes many of Rutter's church hymns recorded over a period of 20 years performed by The Cambridge Singers, a group of Brits, that are conducted by the composer. Ergo, these performances must be considered definitive.

Many of Rutter's popular hymns are included here. "O be joyful to the Lord" and "All things bright and beautiful", a popular children's hymn done here by adults, follow "Wings of the morning" on tracks 5-7. Others you may have performed in church represented here are "O clap your hands", "Lord make me an instrument of your peace", "For the beauty of the earth", "Look at the world" and "The Lord bless you and keep you" among the 21 assembled hymns.

While The Cambridge Singers, on their Web site, identify themselves principally as an a capella group, I was pleased when I received this CD to find all the hymns supported by a full orchestra, the esteemed City of London Sinfonia. The renditions are uniformly lovely although some listeners may find the singing a bit on the white side lacking brilliance and individuality. Everything is done in keeping with Rutter's score markings and style.

The recording tends to be a little variable given the 20-plus year difference in performances. The most recent copyright listing is 2003, the same year "Wings of the morning" was published. I don't hear an appreciable difference in that recording than the others but still hear some age in older works.

If you seek a Rutter hymn collection you can't go wrong here. You have wonderful English performers mated to the composer in his more popular works. I'd recommend this without reservation to anyone seeking this collection.

Average customer rating: John Rutter: Te Deum Absolutely amazing Up to the usual high standard Beautiful, excellent album A new experience in familiar pieces

John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music Manufacturer: Collegium ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter John Rutter Collection Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers The John Rutter Christmas Album Be Thou My Vision ASIN: B0000031HH Release Date: 1993-09-11

Tracks:

1. Te Deum
2. Be Thou My Vision
3. I Believe In Springtime
4. Lord, Make Me An Instrument Of Thy Peace
5. O Be Joyful In The Lord
6. All Creatures Of Our God And King
7. A Choral Fanfare
8. As The Bridegroom To His Chosen
9. Christ The Lord Is Risen Again
10. They Perfect Love
11. The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
12. Go Forth Into The World In Peace
13. Now Thank We All Our God

Amazon.com

Englishman John Rutter is today's most popular composer of church music, primarily owing to his accessible style and purposeful commitment to both professional and amateur choirs. This recording features some of Rutter's most popular sacred choral works from the 1980s--definitively performed by Rutter's own Cambridge Singers, conducted by the composer himself. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

John Rutter: Te Deum .......2007-05-14

Outstanding music and outstanding recording quality. This is a must for all who like the choral music of Rutter, a musical treat from the time you que up the disc.

Absolutely amazing.......2006-08-21

Of the 5 Cambridge Singers recordings in my possession, this is my favorite. I absolutely love "Be thou my vision," and find the title track inspiring each time I listen to it. This is a CD that will not disappoint!

Up to the usual high standard.......2006-07-13

What better version of the Rutter "Te Deum" than the composer and his group? This CD does not disappoint. Highly recommended!

Beautiful, excellent album.......2006-02-19

I have wanted this album for several years and have finally found it and purchased it. I have listened to it dozens of times since I received it, and love it! I hesitated to buy it because it is more expensive than most music CD's, but it is worth it.

A new experience in familiar pieces.......2005-10-05

This recording of the Cambridge Singers has them recording pieces composed by their own director, John Rutter. The 'Te Deum' is Rutter's version of a standard piece of liturgical music, representing classic influences ancient and modern, typical of Rutter's compositional style. This was recorded at in 1990 at the Henry Wood Hall in London, with the City of London Sinfonia and organist John Scott collaborating.

--Music--
'The Te Deum' is a piece that is standard for liturgy in Catholic and Anglican services. It is a song of praise, and here is it bright and powerful. 'Be Thou My Vision' is an Irish folk hymn, gentle and graceful, but Rutter has added something quite new to the rendition with his arrangement. The initial flourishes and fanfare for the standard piece 'All Creatures of Our God and King' lead to a triumphant song experience. 'The Lord is My Light and My Salvation' is once again a meditative and gentle moving piece, with good spirit.

The songs here are familiar for the most part, but Rutter's arrangements and compositions make this a thoroughly new experience in many ways.

--Liner Notes--
The notes include an introduction to the CD by Rutter describing some of the influences and expressions in his composition. Lyrics are included, all of which are in English on this collection. There is no listing of the performers of the Cambridge Singers, no description of the group, nor biographical information about John Rutter.

--John Rutter--
Rutter was born in London and educated at Clare College, Cambridge. This was where his career as a composer, arranger and conductor began. His early work was with groups at King's College Chapel at Cambridge as well as the Bath Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra. He has worked for the BBC providing music for educational series such as 'The Archaeology of the Bible Lands', until in 1979 he began forming the Cambridge Singers, and has continued a remarkable career of performance and recording as their director ever since.

--The Cambridge Singers--
The Cambridge Singers are a mixed choir of voices, many of whom were members of choir of Rutter's college, Clare College, Cambridge. While they specialise in English and Latin liturgical pieces, they have a wide range of recordings that span from modern compositions (including a remarkable requiem by Rutter) to English folk songs of the Middle Ages. Many are former members of the choir of Clare College and other Cambridge collegiate choirs (hence the name, Cambridge Singers). In the quarter-century since the founding, the Cambridge Singers have produced an impressive body of recordings.

This is a wonderful collection.

Average customer rating: Great compilation A disappointment

DRG 25th Anniversary Show Stopping Performances Manufacturer: Drg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Previn, André | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Barbara Cook at the Met with Special Guests Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) ABC (Adler, Bock, Coleman) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B00005Q6IN Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

1. A Day In Hollywood A Night In Ukraine: Just Go To The Movies - Priscilla Lopez/David Garrison/Frank Lazarus/Stephen James/Peggy Hewett/Kate Draper
2. Babes In Arms: I Wish I Were In Love Again - Christopher Fitzgerald Jessica Stone
3. Pal Joey: Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered - Patti LuPone
4. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend - KT Sullivan
5. Nunsense: I Just Want To Be A Star - Christine Anderson
6. Louisiana Purchase: Wild About You - Debbie Gravitte & New York Voices
7. Oil City Symphony: Beaver Ball At The Bug Club - Mike Craver/Mark Hardwick/Debra Monk/Mary Murfitt
8. Falsettoland: The Baseball Game - Michael Rupert/Chip Zien/Faith Prince/Janet Metz/Heather MacRae/Stephen Bogardus
9. Very Good Eddie: Isn't It Great To Be Married? - Virginia Seidel/Spring Fairbank/Charles Repole/Nicholas Wyman
10. The Fantasticks: A Perfect Time To Be In Love - Harvey Schmidt
11. Call Me Madam: You're Just In Love - Tyne Daly/Lewis Cleale
12. Taking My Turn: Fine For The Shape I'm In - Margaret Whiting/Marnie Nixon/Cissy Houston
13. A Party With Betty Comden & Adolph Green: The French Lesson - Betty Comdon/Adolph Green
14. The Madwoman Of Central Park: Better - Phyllis Newman
15. Greenwillow: Never Will I Marry - Anthony Perkins
16. Song Of Singapore: I Can't Remember - Loretta Swit & Company
17. Tintypes: Elite Syncopation/I'm Goin' To Live Anyhow, 'Til I Die - Lynne Thigpen
18. I Love My Wife: Someone Wonderful I Missed - Joanna Gleason/Ilene Graff
19. The Good Companions: The Pleasure Of Your Company - Malcolm Rennie/Christopher Gable
20. Forbidden Broadway 20th Anniversary: Liza One-Note - Christine Pedi
21. Meet Me In St. Louis: The Trolley Song - Donna Kane & Ensemble

Tracks:

1. 4 Guys Named Jose...And Una Mujer Named Maria!: Feel It - Philip Anthony/Henry Gainza/Allen Hidalgo/Ricardo Puente
2. Fame - The Musical: There She Goes!/Fame - Natasha Rennalls & Ensemble
3. Do Re Mi: What's New At The Zoo? - Heather Headley/The Animal Girls
4. High Society: Once Upon A Time/True Love - Melissa Errico/Daniel McDonald
5. Tenderloin: Artificial Flowers - Patrick Wilson
6. State Fair: Driving At Night/Our State Fair - Company
7. Kiss Me, Kate: Were Thine That Special Face - Brian Stokes Mitchell
8. Black And Blue: Black And Blue - Linda Hopkins/Ruth Brown/Carrie Smith
9. The Green Bird: O Foolish Heart - Company
10. Out Of This World: From This Moment On - Marin Mazzie/Gregg Edelman
11. The Boys From Syracuse: This Can't Be Love - Davis Gaines/Sarah Berry
12. Snoopy!!!: Poor Sweet Baby - Pamela Myers
13. SeesawNobody Does It Like Me - Michele Lee
14. March Of The Falsettos: I Never Wanted To Love You - Michael Rupert/Stephen Bogardus/Alison Fraser/Chip Zien/James Kushner
15. Lunch: Perfectly Alone - Carol Burnett
16. 3hree: Foolish Dreamin'/Something Beautiful/Real Enough To Change My Mind - Jessica Molaskey/Will Gartshore/Rachel Ulanet
17. Lucky In The Rain: Love Me As If There Were No Tomorrow - Barbara Cook
18. Godspell: All Good Gifts - Sal Sabella & Company
19. The Act: Walking Papers - Liza Minnelli & Company

Customer Reviews:

Great compilation.......2002-05-10

I don't actually own this particular compilation, however, since I own nearly every recording represented on these discs...I think I'm qualified to comment. This is a wonderful representation of the high quality of work that DRG Records does.
The previous review is way off the mark. This is definitely not a waste of time or money. This is 25 years of preserving Broadway shows, Off-Broadway shows, studio recordings (mostly from the city center concerts), etc. So what if they "aren't as good as the original", DRG is preserving many recordings and artists that other mainstream labels don't or won't. You have wonderful recordings from Brian Stokes Mitchell, Nathan Lane, Debbie Gravitte, Tyne Daly, Anthony Perkins, Joanna Gleason, Marin Mazzie, Carol Burnett, Heather Headley, Patti LuPone, Barbara Cook, etc., and many of these are from Original Cast Recordings just as they appeared on Broadway. This is an excellent sampler of the work going on at DRG. No...I'm not an employee...just an avid listener and collector of theatre recordings.

A disappointment.......2001-12-15

There's a reason you've probably never heard of most of the songs and shows on this album, not to mention most of the artists. This is a second-rate collection of second-rate numbers performed by mostly second-rate artists. In the case of the shows that were revivals, the performances on the original cast recordings were better. Don't waste your money.

Average customer rating: One of the best soundtrack!!! What a good soundtrack!!! I LOVE THIS SOUNDTRACK!!!! Fantastic CD I LOVE this album!

Oliver & Company Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005ABOK Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

1. Once Upon a Time in New York City - Huey Lewis
2. Why Should I Worry? - Billy Joel
3. Streets of Gold - Ruth Pointer
4. Perfect Isn't Easy - Bette Midler
5. Good Company - Myhanh Tran
6. Sykes [Instrumental]
7. Bedtime Story [Instrumental]
8. Rescue [Instrumental]
9. Pursuit Through the Subway [Instrumental]
10. Buscando Guayaba - RubBlades
11. End Title [Instrumental]

Customer Reviews:

One of the best soundtrack!!!.......2006-04-01

"Oliver&Company" was my favourite movie with unforgettable cute characters when I was in high school. But after I watched "Brother Bear" "Bambi-2" and other great Disney movie which were younger than "Oliver&Company", the glory of this movie was fading in my heart as years went by. However, the music of this movie will always be impressed to me!
I think the best song in this soundtrack was "Streets of Gold". My deskmate in high school loved this song very much too. She often asked me to play this song, and when we listened to it together, we sang along happily! I loved to listened to "Once Upon a Time in New York City" when I was preparing for the College Entrance Examination, because its lyric inspired me and made me spirited! The song "Good Company" was very cute, I loved the kid's voice and the sound of piano, and the part without vocal of this song felt like symphony, pretty good! It seemed that "Why Should I Worry?" was very welcome and well-know to many people who have listened to this soundtrack. It wasn't the best in my opinion, but it was wonderful, I loved rhythmic song just like this! "Perfect Isn't Easy" was a little strange, but very funny and always makes me laugh. The scores of this soundtrack were glorious! Besides the scores of "The Lion King" "The Little Mermaid" and "Bambi", the scores from "Oliver&Company" were the best I've ever heard! "Bedtime Story" and "Pursuit through the Subway" were the best of these 5!
It's pity that I can't find this soundtrack in any music shop now, so I'm expecting the remaster of it!

What a good soundtrack!!!.......2004-07-03

This is my favourite soundtrack of Disney.I love "Once upon a time in New York City",because it gives me power,really!And "Why should I worry?",I can feel the rhythm of the city and my life all because this song!One of my friends love "Streets of gold"very much,So do I.And "Good Company""Perfect isn't easy"are also very good.Oh,yes,"Bed time story"and"The rescue"are very good too!!I love this album very very much!!

I LOVE THIS SOUNDTRACK!!!!.......2004-06-25

Ever since I was little I loved Oliver & Company. I have the original soundtrack from 1988, it was a gift. In the first grade I would walk around the house singing "Good Company" and imitate Dodger singing "Why Should I Worry". I still take it everywhere I go. Me and my friend even like to just sit in the elevator at church and listen to it. My favorite song overall is "Why Should I Worry" and my favorite character is Dodger. I love you Dodger!! I would defenitely recommend this CD to anyone!

Fantastic CD.......2004-03-29

I used to tie a red bandanna around my neck as well, get on all fours, and imitate Dodger's dance moves on top of the couch while singing along to "Why Should I Worry?" (Okay, I was about six and half years old at the time, but it was such memorable fun.) My friends and I would sing these songs on the school bus and during class I would sit there writing out the lyrics. I brought the CD everywhere and sang along to it. A friend and I had to invent a dance to any song, and for some reason we chose "Perfect Isn't Easy" (her choice, I think). But my favorite song by far is "Streets of Gold," Rita has always been my canine alter-ego; that song is SO unbelievably awesome; I LOVE it to death!!! Oh yea, this is an excellent soundtrack to an amazingly brilliant movie. My recommendation? Get it!

I LOVE this album!.......2002-04-09

I've loved this movie for a long time. When i was about six, I used to walk around the house singing "Why Should I Worry?" and "Perfect Isn't Easy". I even had a long red bandanna that used to wear around my neck prentending they were Dodger's hot dogs. As I write this, "Streets of Gold" is blaring through my headphones. Getting hold of this album was no mean feat, I ordered it at Recordsmith and it took them two weeks to get it. All the songs work pretty well with my voice which is sort of soprano, I think. I also have the movie. "Once Upon a Time in New York City" is such a beautiful song, it brings tears to my eyes every time.

Average customer rating: why don't you own this yet? Back in the desert city.

Perfect Addiction Desert City Soundtrack Manufacturer: Deep Elm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Noise | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Funeral Car Contents of Distraction ASIN: B000A87K78 Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Last Nights Floor
2. Lets Throw Knives
3. Playing The Martyr
4. No Signal
5. Whatever The Cost
6. Batteries
7. First Sickness
8. Mothball Fleet
9. Good Times Without
10. Its Not That Bad
11. Watering Hole
12. The Dining Dead

Customer Reviews:

why don't you own this yet?.......2005-10-15

I'm just going to say that this is their finest album, the others still should be listened to. For fans of murder by death and black heart procession.

Back in the desert city........2005-10-14

With a name like Desert City Soundtrack, many people are quickly to dismiss them as just "another one of those bands with 'soundtrack' in their name". So I assume people might compare them to the radically different (and not nearly as good) Motion City Soundtrack, who associate themselves with the emo scene; maybe not as directly as some bands, but they belong.

In my opinion, Funeral Car, their last full length release is without a doubt one my favorite records ever. In fact, it would be near the top on my 50 best albums on the last 20 years.
While not as emotionally charged as Funeral Car, Perfect Addition is certainly a solid release. One thing to note upon first listening is there not really any screaming, per say. Matt Carillo screams, but it's mostly inaudible. Take for example, "No Signal". There are lyrics; you just can't hear them. The distortion is still there from guitar, and Cory Gray is still pounding on his keyboard keys. As long as Carillo and Gray are together, DCS will exist. They've proven that. Since their last record, drummer Caitlin Love and bassist Mike Casanova have left. Brian Wright has taken over the drums, and he's just as effective if not more. "No Signal" again showcases his abilities. A bass player has not been replaced simply because you don't need bass when you have piano as the leading instrument. Even being a trio, they are more successful in their musical endeavors than most five piece bands -- mostly because of their strive for passionate music.

I do have complaints, though. As Alternative Press wrote about Mary Timony's Ex Hex, "there is a certain brilliance to the album".... but I think it is lost somewhere. The first four tracks are so damn good, that it kind of ruined the rest of the album for me. The remaining eight tracks are generally slower and denser with more filler. It sounds like they were listening to Ben Folds or Radiohead's Amnesiac and Hail to the Thief for a little too long, because the sounds of piano on those albums stuck with them. Ballads are a good way to describe the remainder of the album.

As I mentioned, "No Signal" is absolutely fantastic; it's a step in the right direction. It's so interesting to hear where the song takes you, and it's only four minutes. It seems twice as long. "Let's Throw Knives" is also excellent with the perfect drive and build right until the end. "Batteries" and the remake of "First Sickness" are the beginning of the songs that drag, and by the end you are wishing there was an extension. However, "Mothball Fleet" is a nice addition before the interlude ("Good Times Without"), and "It's Not That Bad" is a welcome surprise. Well, don't get me wrong, I like the album a lot. It's just not a masterpiece like Funeral Car is.

The album does seem a bit rushed, not because it's shorter, but because it doesn't flow nearly as well as Funeral Car. I think I should correctly order the tracks myself to have a more consistent album throughout. It really feels more like two EPs split up and scattered.

Funeral Car did EVERYTHING right, defying genre and incorporating so many interesting elements. That album successfully dragged me into indie music as the albums of Murder by Death also did. And for that, I cannot thank them enough. This material isn't essential, but it's a sufficient change. You could even call it a progression in some ways.

Average customer rating: Decent Country-Rock Debut Hidden Treasure Impressive country-rock debut from Nashville-born songwriter Hard to Find Fault with this CD For City and Country Folk both. . . .

Perfect City Florence Dore Manufacturer: Slewfoot ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00006369M Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

1. Early World
2. Perfect City
3. No Nashville
4. Framed
5. Christmas
6. Everything I Dreamed
7. Postcard
8. Brain
9. Say The Thing
10. Wintertown (Ode To Kent, OH)

Amazon.com

Billy Joe Shaver managed to write some of the world's greatest songs with just a "good Christian raisin' and an eighth-grade education." Still, in her bio and press, much is made of Florence Dore's college professorship and her specialty in Faulkner. She has been compared to Lucinda Williams, but lacking a musical resemblance (Dore rocks much harder), it might rather be the press picking up on the latter's scholarly parentage. Fortunately, for the most part Dore's songs owe more to an early epiphany at a Johnny Cash show than anything she might have picked up in grad school. The catchy hooks and rhythmic groove of her lyrics and singing are likely the product of good musical instincts and talent, not anything she learned in the halls of academe. A song like "No Nashville" paints a simple picture of family dynamics in the tradition of the best country music. Throughout Perfect City, her band rocks and twangs with infectious energy. Unfortunately, the mix obscures Dore's singing much of the time, and lacking a lyric sheet, we get only glimpses of her vocal and lyric talents. From what is audible, it is easy to hear that Dore's "learnin'" doesn't get in the way of her songwriting. Though it may not be perfect, this is a city worth visiting. --Michael Ross

Customer Reviews:

Decent Country-Rock Debut.......2003-03-02

Florence Dore's "Perfect City" is the kind of debut album that leaves you somewhat hungry, but salivating in anticipation of what the artist might do next. At her best she is very good, as she particularly shows on the haunting "Christmas," a song unlikely to be featured on any holiday specials any time soon. Dore has a decent voice and is backed by a capable twangy rock band. Other standouts on the album include "Early World" and "No Nashville." On the downside, the production is murky at times and the CD booklet contains only a few scant pages of information. Given the occasional lack of vocal clarity, a lyrics sheet would have been a big help.

Overall, an intriguing debut by an artist who seems capable of bigger and better things.

Hidden Treasure.......2002-08-01

I became aware of this artist while listening to a public radio station out of New York. I liked the title track and read positive reviews so I bought the CD. What a pleasant discovery. I smile every time I put on this CD. I can't find one disappointing song on the album. It's good from start to finish. The last time I happened upon an artist I knew so little about and liked so much was when I bought "In My Tribe" by 10,000 Maniacs. I hope more people find out about this talented woman.

Impressive country-rock debut from Nashville-born songwriter.......2002-07-18

Though the Nashville-born Professor Dore (Ph.D. 1999, UC Berkeley; post-doc NYU; Kent State faculty) is known in academic circles for her work in American literature (most especially for her studies of William Faulkner's writings), her country-rock songs are anything but bookish. Her mix of narratives and poetic sightseeing bring to mind Lucinda Williams, while the catchiness of her presentation harkens to the breakthrough hits of Mary-Chapin Carpenter. But in contrast to Carpenter's folky beginnings, Dore starts with rock 'n' roll and leavens it with the introspection of folk, the twang of country, and the soul of blues.

Dore first came to national attention with her song "Christmas," recorded in 1996 by The Posies, a Seattle-based powerpop outfit. The down-tempo tune, revisited here, provides an inner dialog of resignation on a lonely Christmas day. Dore's hometown conjures up the big-city longing in "No Nashville," but the song's examination of adult children's family tensions works well beyond its Tennessee hill-country setting. Dore's academic life show up fleetingly in the title track and the closing ode to Kent, OH, "Wintertown." The band turns upbeat for "Brain" and "Everything I Dreamed." The former borrows a Beatles riff and adds a twangy baritone guitar lead, the latter's rockabilly sound features guitarist Chris Erikson's flashy flatpicking and duet vocal.

Producer Eric "Roscoe" Ambel (Bottle Rockets, Blood Oranges) brings his experience as a rock and roots-rock guitarist with the Blackhearts and Del Lords to balance the backings with the punchy drumming of ex-Smithereen Dennis Diken, acoustic and electric guitars, as well as touches of organ and piano. Combined with Dore's writing, and the years of gigging that preceeded recording, this debut is more highly accomplished than one would expect from a "new" artist.

3-3/4 stars, if Amazon allowed fractional ratings.

Hard to Find Fault with this CD.......2002-05-15

I recently received a sampler of Americana music featuring artists I had never heard of. One song, "Christmas," by Florence Dore blew everything else on the CD away. After purchasing "Perfect City" I was pleased to find that song was the rule, rather than the exception. One of the best CDs of 2001.

Sounding something like a cross between Stevie Nicks and Natalie Merchant, Florence writes intelligent songs that are infused with just the right amount of twang and heartbreak. Apparently she has a doctorate in American Literature or something. But what really propels this release is the tremendous energy provided by the rhythm section of bassist Scott Yoder (this guy keeps showing up on great releases) and especially drummer Dennis Diken.

Highlights include the rockin' title track (a wonderful approximation of Pete Townsend-like guitar riffs), the aforementioned Christmas, No Nashville, Say The Thing, Early World, Postcard and Brain. The entire affair could benefit from a lyric sheet, as Dore's voice is too far back in the mix on many songs.

When Florence sings "it's colder in this house than anywhere in Boston. That's okay--Christmas means little to me," you just might find yourself reaching for the thermostat.

For City and Country Folk both. . . ........2002-01-18

Heck, this is a sweet recording. Florence Dore sure can soar. Okay, sorry for that, but it's true. This is top-shelf stuff
right here. Smart writing, filled with hooks and wit. Exquisite singing. Tight band. This cd is more fun than stolen money.
Get it and spread the good word.

Average customer rating:

CLAIRE MARTIN: The Linn Box 2 - Make This City Ours - Take My Heart (HDCD) - Perfect Alibi (HDCD) Claire Martin Manufacturer: Linn Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B000FL6Y72 Release Date: 2006-05-01

Tracks:

1. How Can I Be Sure?
2. Man In the Station [with John Martyn]
3. Up From the Skies
4. Inspired Insanity
5. People Wake the World Go Round
6. Shadowville
7. Strangers Now
8. More Than You'll Even Know
9. Over By Allenby
10. More Than I Can Bear
11. He's A Runner
12. Wailing Wall

Product Description

Claire Martin

The Linn Box Set Vol. 2

Featuring:

Make This City Ours
Claire Martin - vocals
Gareth Williams - piano, backing vocals
Peter Washington - bass
Gregory Hutchinson - drums
Antonio Hart - saxophone
Gerard Presencer - flugel horn, trumpet

Take My Heart (HDCD)

Perfect Alibi (HDCD)
John Martyn - guest vocals

Average customer rating:

Inner City Blues Larry Coryell Manufacturer: Past Perfect ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000575XC Release Date: 2002-11-25

Average customer rating:

Big City Blues Edmond Hall Manufacturer: Past Perfect ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B000057DU6 Release Date: 2002-11-25

Average customer rating:

Earth Dreams Manufacturer: Impressive Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA3MO4 Release Date: 2003-07-29

Tracks:

1. Magazine
2. Luxury
3. I Am Here Now
4. The City
5. Everyone
6. It's You & I
7. Gone to Holland
8. Kiss Me With Affection
9. Peace Pays
10. Temporary Slow-up

Music Album:

1. Red Hot Rockabilly, Pt. 1 [Import]
2. Salute! The World War II Tribute Album
3. Sold American
4. Songs For Sophie: A Collings Collective
5. Sonny Rocks [Import]
6. Still Country
7. Tales Out of Luck [Enhanced] [Import]
8. The Ghost, Part Three
9. The Love Album
10. The Watson Family

Music Album